Food & Drinks

Subway Posting Calories Nationally as Regulation Lags

Published

11 years ago

April 5, 2016

NEW YORK (AP) — Subway is moving ahead and posting calorie counts on menu boards nationally despite another delay in a federal rule requiring the information.

The sandwich chain says its new menu boards with calorie counts are already rolling out around the country and should be up in all 27,000 of its U.S. stores by April 11. The decision to forge ahead comes as restaurant chains have awaited the Food and Drug Administration’s final guidance and enforcement of a rule requiring food sellers with 20 or more locations to post the information.

“I think consumers are looking for this, and with all the delays, they’re confused as to why it’s not out there,” said Lanette Kovachi, who leads Subway’s global nutrition efforts.

As part of the federal health care overhaul, a rule was passed in 2010 requiring major

chains to post calorie counts on menus with the goal of helping Americans make better food choices. After weighing retailers’ concerns, the FDA came out with its final rules in 2014 and gave establishments until the end of 2015 to comply.

Last summer, the agency pushed back the deadline to the end of 2016.

Then last month, it delayed enforcement again to a year after it publishes its final guidance for companies. That guidance has been delayed as companies have lobbied for exemption. Domino’s, for instance, says it doesn’t make sense for chains that get so many of their orders online or over the phone.

Still, Subway isn’t alone in deciding not to wait for the federal rule to go into effect. Panera Bread began posting the information in 2010, and McDonald’s Corp. followed suit in 2012. The National Restaurant Association said that most companies are waiting for the final guidance from the FDA before posting the information.

Subway says it had already posted calories in about 4,000 stores in localities such as New York City that already require the information, as well as in California. And since January, it says it has been testing the new menu boards with calorie counts in another 7,000 restaurants.

The remainder of its stores should have the new menu boards by next week, the company said.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, D.C., has advocated for calorie counts on menus, saying it helps customers make more informed choices and encourages food sellers to rethink their recipes if they don’t want to scare off people with huge calorie disclosures.

Exactly how the calorie counts change people’s behavior is not yet entirely clear, however.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrition Evidence Library reviewed 10 studies that tested how calories on menus influenced food choices, and said it found “limited and inconsistent evidence” to support an association between the disclosure and food choices or intake. But most the studies were done in labs, rather than in restaurants, and measured behavior at just one point in time.

Since calorie counts for Subway sandwiches vary depending on the toppings people request, the chain says its menu boards will list information for basic sandwiches.

Within the year, Subway said it is also working on displaying on sneeze guards calorie counts for toppings like olives and cheese.

Business

Florida Restaurant Show 2026: Orlando Event Features Chef Competitions, Pizza Innovation and Restaurant Solutions

Published

1 month ago

October 9, 2026

FNN NEWS

The combined events celebrate their 55th and fifth anniversaries Oct. 25–27 at the Orange County Convention Center, featuring education, culinary competitions and a $5,000 attendee giveaway.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit are marking milestone anniversaries at the Orange County Convention Center, bringing restaurant, pizza and foodservice professionals together Oct. 25–27 for product demonstrations, education, culinary competitions and networking.

The Florida Restaurant Show is celebrating its 55th anniversary, while the Pizza Tomorrow Summit marks its fifth. One registration provides access to both events.

Organizer Restaurant Events announced a total of $5,000 in attendee giveaways during the three-day gathering. Attendees can pick up a ticket at registration for a chance to win.

Education Addresses Food Costs, Staffing and AI

More than 40 hours of education cover profitability, food costs, operations, marketing, artificial intelligence, staffing, leadership and customer engagement.

Featured programs include Restaurant Management 201 and 301, presented by Darren Denington, founder and operator of Service with Style, and Alison Anne, leader of Restaurant Revolution.

A new program, “The Wizard Behind the Curtain,” presented by Maverick Theory founder Michael Tipps, examines how owners and entrepreneurs develop restaurant concepts and turn ideas into businesses.

A Team Bundle Package offers savings and flexible attendance options for groups of six from the same organization, allowing employees to explore sessions relevant to their roles.

Culinary Competitions Spotlight Professional Chefs

The Sunshine Plate Challenge Arena features more than 30 professional chefs across four American Culinary Federation-sanctioned competitions, organizers said.

The announced schedule includes:

Sunday, Oct. 25: Student and professional pastry sculpture competitions and the Professional Pork Challenge.
Monday, Oct. 26: The Professional Seafood Challenge, sponsored by Bar Harbor Seafood.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: The Professional Beef Challenge.

The arena’s Sunday programming also includes the Hospitality School Showdown, featuring culinary faculty and alumni representing four Florida hospitality programs.

Unox sponsors the arena, with product support from Gordon Food Service, Bar Harbor Seafood, Expedition Provisions, Yukan Foods, Pizzacini and Keg Kraft Beverage Company.

Pizza Tomorrow Summit Highlights Industry Innovation

The Pizza Tomorrow Summit features education, demonstrations and competitions focused on the pizza industry.

Its announced Monday programming includes a live taping of the “So You Want to Run a Restaurant” podcast with California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield. The session, sponsored by Back of House, includes a discussion and giveaway of his book, “The California Pizza Kitchen Story.”

The U.S. Pizza Team and Galbani Professionale U.S. are also hosting the 2026 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup. Pizza makers and pizza acrobats compete in culinary and acrobatic events, with grand-prize winners earning a trip to compete at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy.

One Registration Connects Two Industries

By holding the events together, organizers give restaurant operators access to ideas emerging from the pizza industry while connecting pizzeria operators with equipment, technology and education relevant to the broader foodservice market.

The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit conclude Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Orange County Convention Center.

Food & Drinks

ICON Park Celebrates Florida Residents with Exclusive Dining, Drink, and Attraction Deals

Published

1 year ago

October 23, 2025

Willie David

ICON Park Celebrates Florida Residents with Exclusive Dining, Drink, and Attraction Deals

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – ICON Park is showing love to Florida residents this fall with an array of exclusive savings across its restaurants, bars, and attractions — and Florida National News is spotlighting this vibrant International Drive destination for our foodies and drink lovers. From family outings to date nights, Floridians can savor great food, fun, and entertainment for less — all in one place.

Exclusive Florida Resident Offers

Participating ICON Park venues are offering limited-time perks for residents who present valid Florida identification. From meal specials and drink discounts to attraction savings, the deals vary by location — with some running through November 2025 and others extending into early 2026.

Dining and Drink Highlights

Brother Jimmy’s BBQ – Florida Resident Lunch Special: choose one of five dishes and a beverage for $15, Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., through Nov. 30.
Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips – Enjoy 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages with a valid Florida ID. Valid all day, every day.
I Café De Paris – Take 15% off all items through Dec. 31, 2025.
Juan Valdez Café – Mix and Match Combo: 16 oz latte or chai with marble cake or cheese bun for $8.45, through Dec. 31, 2025.
Ole Red Orlando – Florida residents receive 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages daily.
Uncle Julio’s Orlando – Get $5 off your meal with a $20+ purchase, valid daily through Feb. 2026.
The Winery and Tasting Room by Brewlando – Enjoy $5 Tosso Rosé and $5 pints (select choices) Monday–Friday, 3–7 p.m., with valid Florida ID.

Attraction Savings

Museum of Illusions Orlando – Admission $17.99 per person, Monday–Thursday through Nov. 20, 2025.
The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Orlando & SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium – Get $5 off admission for Florida Resident Tickets purchased online 24 hours in advance.
Orlando Slingshot – Receive $5 off ride admission through Nov. 20, 2025.

A Destination for Locals

“These offers are our way of saying thank you to the community that supports ICON Park year-round,” said Chris Jaskiewicz, CEO of ICON Park. “We’re proud to be a place where locals can relax, celebrate, and make memories — whether it’s grabbing a bite, catching live entertainment, or taking in the view from The Orlando Eye.”

ICON Park continues to be a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors, offering free parking, free admission, and endless options for food, fun, and relaxation in a walkable setting.

For a full list of participating venues and offer details, visit:
ICONParkOrlando.com/deals-tag/florida-resident

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FNN Good News & Reviews | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Food & Drink

Juan Valdez Coffee Store opens at ICON Park

Published

4 years ago

October 14, 2022

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Entertainment District can now enjoy the best quality Colombian coffee. Juan Valdez® has opened its first amusement park store in Orlando at ICON Park.

Juan Valdez is an international coffee brand that’s committed and cares deeply about Colombian coffee growers. It’s owned by more than 540,000 coffee-growing families that harvest the best, 100-percent Arabica premium coffee in Colombia. Its purpose is to serve the world and its people with excellent quality coffee, while providing the coffee growers with social programs and giving their labor and efforts global visibility.

There are over 500 Juan Valdez Coffee Stores globally and the brand is just beginning its expansion in the United States through its franchisee, Best Coffee Franchise Company. There are currently stores in Miami, Windermere, and Ocoee.

Now Juan Valdez is proud to open at ICON Park and is aiming to become the area’s favorite coffee shop and destination, giving the Orlando Entertainment District high-quality, 100-percent premium Colombian coffee from the growers to your cup. The initial plan is to open over 100 more stores in Florida, helping to provide stable and meaningful employment to the state’s population, and ICON Park is the third in the Central Florida area.

The Juan Valdez Coffee Store at ICON Park is located inside The Wheelhouse, the center of energy at the entertainment destination.

ICON Park is at the center of the new Orlando Entertainment District. With free parking and conveniently located near I-4, Universal Boulevard and the Beachline, this premiere entertainment complex is easy to access for any Central Florida resident or Orlando tourist.

To learn more about Juan Valdez, visit https://www.juanvaldezcafeflorida.com. To learn more about ICON Park, visit https://iconparkorlando.com.